overturning previous (longstanding) board action

[Guest Nancy Mori]

The board of our organization is attempting to introduce a new procedure that overrides a long-standing procedure, introduced by the board. Can that be done without it being brought to the membership?

[hmtcastle]

The board of our organization is attempting to introduce a new procedure that overrides a long-standing procedure, introduced by the board. Can that be done without it being brought to the membership?

If the board had the authority to enact the procedure in the first place, I see no reason why they couldn't rescind, or otherwise amend, that procedure.

If you think the passage of time is a factor, how much time do you think is too much?

[Josh Martin]

Can that be done without it being brought to the membership?

The board is free to apply the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted to a policy which was adopted by the board and is still in effect. This motion requires a 2/3 vote, vote of a majority of the entire membership (of the board, in this case) or a majority vote with previous notice. How much time has passed since the motion was originally adopted is irrelevant.

Of course, if the general membership doesn't like the new policy, it is free to apply the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted as well, with the same voting requirements (although in this case, the vote of a majority of the entire membership option would be based on the general membership), provided that the board does not have exclusive authority over this issue. Once the general membership has taken action on this issue, the board's hands are tied - the board cannot rescind an action taken by the general membership. (Official Interpretations 2006-12 and 2006-13)

[Guest nancy mori]

The board is free to apply the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted to a policy which was adopted by the board and is still in effect. This motion requires a 2/3 vote, vote of a majority of the entire membership (of the board, in this case) or a majority vote with previous notice. How much time has passed since the motion was originally adopted is irrelevant.

Of course, if the general membership doesn't like the new policy, it is free to apply the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted as well, with the same voting requirements (although in this case, the vote of a majority of the entire membership option would be based on the general membership), provided that the board does not have exclusive authority over this issue. Once the general membership has taken action on this issue, the board's hands are tied - the board cannot rescind an action taken by the general membership. (Official Interpretations 2006-12 and 2006-13)

[Guest nancy mori]

Thank you both for your reply. It clarified what I initially thought.